Georgia is located east of the Black Sea, bordering Turkey and Armenia to the South, Azerbaijan to the southeast, and Russia to the north. The country is located on the gateway between Europe and Asia. It has population of approximately 4.5 million.

Over the last decade Georgia has experienced rapid economic growth. In 2013, Georgia’s nominal GDP reached US$ 16.1 billion and US$ 3,600 per capita. Georgia’s investment climate is one of the most investor friendly in the region. According to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business, the country is ranked number 15 in ease of doing business. The Heritage Foundation ranks Georgia as 22ndin Economic Freedom Index. Georgian investment environment improved considerably in recent years with fewer taxes and simplified procedures starting business. Georgia has also made great strides in eradicating red tape across all levels.

BACKGROUND

JSC “Partnership Fund” (PF) is a state owned investment fund, established in 2011, (with the Fitch rating “'BB-; Outlook Positive“, equal to sovereign ceiling). PF has two main directions: Asset Management and Private Equity Financing.

Asset management – PF owns the following strategic assets:

Georgian Railway - 100% of shares
Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation (GOGC) - 100% of shares
Georgian State Electro system - 100% of shares
Electricity System Commercial Operator - 100% of shares
JSC Telasi - 24.5% of shares

Project Description

The study has shown a need for a 4,700 ton Fruit and Vegetables Cold Storage, which will serve Tbilisi (the capital of Georgia), Kvemo Kartli’s regional center Rustavi and other adjacent areas accounting 31% of Georgia’s consumption of food products. Beyond cold storage operation, the proposed business model also includes fruits and vegetables collection from the small scale growers to respond to the inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of the value chain.

The deadline for submission of proposal is : 20 March 2015, 14.00